We know we've had some work to do to make our policies easier to understand. At the same time, we are working to make our enforcement efforts more consistent, fair, and effective. In 2005, we've been making progress in these areas, and there are several changes coming later this year that we want you to know about:

More Policy Tutorials – Earlier this year we moved over 100 policy pages into a new, more clear and easy to understand template. We also launched our VeRO Tutorial, an effective education tool members can use to learn about our policies. In September, we will launch 5 more 5-10 minute online tutorials for several policy groups including Fee Circumvention, Search & Browse Manipulation (e.g. key word spam), Shill Bidding, Feedback, and Overall Marketplace Policy.

“Report This Item” Link on View Item page – You told us that reporting questionable items was too difficult, so later this summer, every View Item page will have a "Report this Item" link at the bottom of the page. This feature has been live in Australia since May and has been received favorably by the Australian Community.

New Enforcement Consequences and Mitigation – Later this summer, we will be adding three new consequence guidelines that that we believe will both create a more level playing field for the majority of members who follow the rules, as well as encourage compliance with marketplace policies. Soon, members who violate policy may also be subject to:

1. Limits on account privileges – Soon members who violate eBay policies may be limited in their trading activities. For example, the number of listings they can create or bids they may place may be restricted. Or they may be required to take a tutorial before they can continue trading activities.
   
2. Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings – Later this year, sellers who violate policies could lose their listing fees. We believe this will encourage policy compliance and help create a more level playing field for the majority of good sellers who follow policy.
   
3. Loss of PowerSeller status – A very small percentage of PowerSellers violate eBay policies, but the actions of these few reflect negatively on the rest and set a bad example in the Community. In August, meeting a minimum level of eBay policy compliance will be a new requirement for entering the PowerSeller program and maintaining membership. We believe this is the right thing to do for the reputation and credibility of our good PowerSellers.

To learn about all of the progress that we're making in these areas, I encourage you to read an advance copy of my article that will be appearing in the July issue of The Chatter newsletter We will be working on these plans throughout 2005 and into 2006, and I'll update you on our progress periodically.

Sincerely,

Matt Halprin
VP, Global Marketplace Policy Management